My CT has a very open style of teaching in the classroom. Students do not necessarily have to raise their hands if they want to speak while in the classroom. The respect amongst students and teacher is mutual, strong, and has a great presence. Across different classes, she maintains that respect. Though, it is important that she adapts her teaching style so that the respect can be achieved in the classrooms with lower achievers who tend not to care and don't pay attention or aren't always on their best behavior. The class was completing a worksheet on dimensional analysis while I was there on Friday. The students were helping eachother out even though she was still taking questions from students. At one point the class got pretty loud and it was hard to hear. She immediately spoke up and told them to quiet down because she could not hear what the student's question was. They got quiet real fast.
Reflections:
What impresses me most about this example is that the class where this took place was just a general chemistry class. This class works well above expectations and is very well behaved when compared to other general chemistry classes. I could tell immdediately that the class knew where the balance of power lies. I love the clear mutual respect that the teacher shares with the students. The only thing that bothers me a little is the open forum type structure of the class. Personally, I would rather see students raising their hands when they want to speak. Though I do see a benefit of this style as it encourages the students to speak out and not be afraid to ask questions. A nice balance where students can get an open forum style experience and a more structured style of classroom would be ideal. This way they could be encouraged to speak but, at the same time, still be discouraged from talking non-stop to neighbor or friend in close proximity. An open forum style to start is probably the best plan of attack. Then, if they are able to show that they are a responsible class and not talk to much or unnecessarily then we can keep that classroom format. I don't want to be someone that the students fear. As I stated earlier a mutual respect is key. If they fear me, then this can never be achieved.
Class Topic: Dimensional Analysis
Grade: 11
Observed by: Steve Cannici
Observations:
My CT has a very open style of teaching in the classroom. Students do not necessarily have to raise their hands if they want to speak while in the classroom. The respect amongst students and teacher is mutual, strong, and has a great presence. Across different classes, she maintains that respect. Though, it is important that she adapts her teaching style so that the respect can be achieved in the classrooms with lower achievers who tend not to care and don't pay attention or aren't always on their best behavior. The class was completing a worksheet on dimensional analysis while I was there on Friday. The students were helping eachother out even though she was still taking questions from students. At one point the class got pretty loud and it was hard to hear. She immediately spoke up and told them to quiet down because she could not hear what the student's question was. They got quiet real fast.Reflections:
What impresses me most about this example is that the class where this took place was just a general chemistry class. This class works well above expectations and is very well behaved when compared to other general chemistry classes. I could tell immdediately that the class knew where the balance of power lies. I love the clear mutual respect that the teacher shares with the students. The only thing that bothers me a little is the open forum type structure of the class. Personally, I would rather see students raising their hands when they want to speak. Though I do see a benefit of this style as it encourages the students to speak out and not be afraid to ask questions. A nice balance where students can get an open forum style experience and a more structured style of classroom would be ideal. This way they could be encouraged to speak but, at the same time, still be discouraged from talking non-stop to neighbor or friend in close proximity. An open forum style to start is probably the best plan of attack. Then, if they are able to show that they are a responsible class and not talk to much or unnecessarily then we can keep that classroom format. I don't want to be someone that the students fear. As I stated earlier a mutual respect is key. If they fear me, then this can never be achieved.Class Topic: Dimensional Analysis
Grade: 11
Observed by: Steve Cannici